News
21 May 2020
County Council News
Northumberland County Council is taking a phased approach to re-opening its coastal and visitor car parks as public safety remains a top priority.
Of the 53 car parks currently shut, 41 will re-open by Friday, May 22. The remainder will remain closed at this time.
While four country parks re-opened earlier this month as lockdown restrictions began to ease, more work needed to be done across car parks to ensure public safety.
“We have considered factors such as the ability to socially distance both within the carpark and the surrounding area, the impact on and the views of the local community and where vehicles might otherwise park and cause problems if the car park remained shut.
Signage will be updated at the carparks reminding people that they must maintain social distancing measures at all times, that meeting in groups is not permitted and to maintain good hand hygiene. People are still being urged to stay at home as much as possible at this time.
Further work is being undertaken to ensure public toilets which are in some of the car parks meet safety and social distancing standards - so some may not be open on Friday. For those car parks which remain closed for the time being the public toilets will also remain closed and people are advised not to visit these locations”
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2020/May/Phased-approach-to-carpark-re-opening.aspx
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© 2020 Blyth Town Council
21 May 2020
County Council News
Northumberland County Council News
Survey work has started as progress continues towards re-opening passenger rail services between Northumberland and Newcastle.
As part of the current stage of the project, a range of on and off track surveys are taking place in the area over the coming months, including ground investigations. These will help with the design of the proposed stations and the work required to the existing rail infrastructure.
The council’s Outline Business Case was completed earlier this year, with Cabinet signing off a further £10million for the design phase - with a proposed opening date for passenger services in early 2023.
With an additional six stations expected to be open in Northumberland Park, Newsham, Bedlington, Ashington, Seaton Delaval and Blyth Bebside - the new and improved route will link key towns and communities in south east Northumberland and the wider Tyne and Wear region - expecting to deliver economic benefits between £360m to £470m.
Council leader Peter Jackson said: “Each new step in this ambitious project gives us greater confidence we can deliver this vital project for the people of Northumberland in the coming years.
“A whole raft of work is taking place behind the scenes and these surveys are a vital piece of that. We’ll be looking to have further consultation with the public later this year to share more details of where we are at with the project.”
The survey work will be carried out in line with all Government and NHS guidance relating to the reduction of the spread of Coronavirus.
Landowners along the route are now being contacted ahead of the survey work taking place.
https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2020/May/Survey-works-taking-place-for-Northumberland-Line.aspx
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© 2020 Blyth Town Council
15 May 2020
County Council News
Car parks across Northumberland will remain closed as safety assessments continue.
While four country parks re-opened as lockdown restrictions began to ease, more work needs to be done across car parks, including those at visitor hotspots to ensure public safety - which is the council’s absolute priority.
Council Leader Peter Jackson explained: “Whilst lockdown is easing, the pandemic is by no means over. There are still thousands of cases across the UK, with the North East having one of the highest levels in the country.
“We must do all we can to avoid a second wave of the virus, and we certainly don’t want to put our communities or visitors at risk by opening our beauty spots too early.
“For this reason, we are taking a cautious approach, and our car parks will remain closed until we have fully assessed it is safe to open them.
“We understand people’s frustrations, but we must put public safety first. If you can, please stay at home as much as possible - it’s the safest place to be.
“And when you go out to exercise, please do so with caution, and keep your distance.”
The council is also asking people that if they do travel somewhere to exercise, to be respectful and sensible and not block roads where people live. There have been reports of inconsiderate parking on roads and streets surrounding closed car parks.
“And when you go out to exercise, please do so with caution, and keep your distance.”
Cllr Jackson added: “We simply can’t risk spreading the virus by acting irresponsibly and we have a duty to do all we can to protect our communities.
“Therefore, we’ll open our car parks only when we’re happy that they can be opened safely.”
Northumberland County Council will provide further updates when safety checks and risk assessments have been satisfied.
Please note: this update has been taken from Northumberland County Council.
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© 2020 Blyth Town Council
13 May 2020
County Council News
The County Council has confirmed that its four country parks will open from Wednesday, May 13 - but the safety of the public remains its absolute priority.
Council Leader Cllr Peter Jackson, said: “Following revised guidance issued by the Government, the council needs to take time to fully understand what the Government’s plan means for Northumberland, and its impact on our residents.
“After careful consideration, the county’s four country parks will reopen on the morning of Wednesday 13 May at Druridge Bay, Bolam Lake, Plessey Woods and Tyne Riverside. The play areas will remain closed.
“The safety of the public is and must be our absolute priority. We are currently undertaking further detailed risk assessments to understand how our car parks across the county can safely be opened, in order to apply social distancing, manage risk and avoid further spread of the virus.
“We feel this is the right thing to do to protect our communities, and further announcements will be made in the coming days once these are complete.
“We ask people to continue to make only essential journeys, stay home wherever possible and respect the safety of our communities.”
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© 2020 Blyth Town Council
On the back of recent public requests we have installed new large litter bins at Meggie’s Burn and Plessey Road (Golf Course Track).
These areas have become increasingly popular as more people are exercising and making the most of their unlimited fresh air.
Please use these litter bins and let’s keep Blyth clean and green.
Click here to view the installed bins.
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© 2020 Blyth Town Council